Newer Proposed Classification of Mandibular Fractures: A Critical Review with Recent Updates

Author(s):

Deepak Passi*, Laxman Malkunje, Mansi Atri, Deepak Chahal, Tarun Kumar Singh and Jyoti Goyal

In maxillofacial trauma, the mandible is the most common facial fracture after nasal bone. Mandible fractures are among the most common skeletal injuries in following trauma due to its anatomical location and less support from cranium. This vulnerable bone is an active mobile articulation with the maxillary dentition. For appropriate management of mandibular fracture, a comprehensive and therapy relevant classification is required. There are number of classifications quoted in medical literature with their merits and demerits. Fracture of mandible is classified by its anatomic location, condition, and position of teeth relative to the fracture, favorableness, or type, yet no classification system have included the total avulsion/disarticulation of mandible. The classification should be easy to use, contain all the aspects of fracture (clinical and radiolographic) and easily understandable by clinician of different specialty. Aim of this article is to shortly review various classification systems of mandibular fracture and to propose a new classification including rarest case of total avulsion /dislocation of mandible from maxillofacial skeleton